West Coast Australia Self Drive

Perth

Day 1: Perth. Pick up your rental car and spend a day exploring Perth, set on the banks of the sparkling Swan River, a few miles from the magnificent beaches of the Indian Ocean. The closest is City Beach, but Cottesloe, Floreat, Scarborough, and Sorrento are also popular. Nearby outdoor activities include Kings Park with its walking trails and a 12-hectare botanical garden, famous for its spring wildflower displays. Fremantle, 18 kilometres south-west of Perth is a colourful, busy port at the mouth of the Swan River, easily accessible by bus, train, ferry and taxi. Attractions include the Fremantle Arts Centre, the Maritime Museum, the Round House, the market and the lively town centre affectionately known as the cappuccino strip.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) 

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park - Shared Tours

Day 2: Dolphin Swim (Mar – Jun, Oct).  Drive 45 minutes south to Rockingham to board the luxury Apollo 3, where the crew will outfit you with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. After an introductory briefing, you'll cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to around 200 Bottlenose Dolphins that have developed trust with the Perth Wildlife Encounters team. It usually takes 20-60 minutes to locate the dolphins. 

Onboard snorkelling lessons will prepare you for the experience. Once dolphins are spotted, you'll head to the swim deck, don your gear, and enter the water in small groups of up to seven people, each led by a guide using an aqua scooter. The vessel features a large rear swimming platform with easy access.

You'll be surrounded by playful dolphins, with their behaviour on their own terms, leading to an exceptional success rate. The experienced crew is adept at helping nervous swimmers, so no prior snorkelling experience is needed. For non-swimmers, a spectator option allows you to enjoy the dolphins from the boat, sharing the experience with friends and family.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: BL 

Day 3: 3 Islands Snorkel (Mar – Jun, Oct). Embark on an unforgettable wildlife snorkelling expedition in the stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, visiting top snorkelling spots around Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands. Your adventure begins aboard the Sealion Express, a multi-level cruise vessel designed for comfort with room for up to 24 passengers. The eco-friendly boat features low engine noise and minimal vibration for a serene experience.

Equipped with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, you'll explore the Marine Park's rugged limestone coastlines, reefs, and seagrass meadows, home to Smooth Stingrays, Southern Eagle Rays, Western Rock Octopuses, Pink Snapper, and Banded Sweep. The highlight of your trip is interacting with the world's rarest sea lions, known for their playful and curious nature. In addition to swimming with these marine mammals, you might also encounter wild Bottlenose Dolphins and seabirds like cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Terns, and Ospreys. 

The adventure concludes with a VIP gourmet luncheon featuring a seafood grazing platter tailored to your preferences, served upon returning to Mersey Point.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: L

The Pinnacles

Day 4: Perth to Nambung National Park. Drive north along the scenic Indian Ocean Drive towards Nambung National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive. Stop at Yanchep National Park to spot kangaroos and koalas or take a walk through the limestone caves. Continue to the coastal town of Cervantes, known for its fresh seafood, especially rock lobster. From there, explore the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, a surreal landscape of limestone spires rising from the sand. Enjoy a stroll through the Pinnacles or visit the Discovery Centre to learn about their history. Wrap up the day with sunset views over the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Pinnacles Edge Resort (One Bedroom Apartment)   

Day 5:  Nambung National Park to Kalbarri. Depart from Nambung National Park and continue north along the Indian Ocean Drive, passing stunning coastal landscapes. Stop at Jurien Bay before continuing to Geraldton, where you can visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and enjoy a bite to eat. From there, drive towards Kalbarri, making a detour to Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory to marvel at its vivid pink hues. Arrive in Kalbarri and spend your evening exploring the coastal cliffs or relaxing in town. The journey offers a mix of natural beauty and unique experiences along Western Australia's Coral Coast.

 Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort (Executive Spa Suite | Meals: B

Kalbarri & Monkey Mia

Day 6:  Kalbarri National Park. Start your day early at Kalbarri National Park with a visit to the iconic Nature's Window, a natural rock arch framing stunning views of the Murchison River. Continue to the Z-Bend Lookout, where you can hike down to the river gorge or enjoy the panoramic vistas from above. Head to Skywalk, an awe-inspiring platform extending over the gorge for breathtaking views. After lunch, explore the park's coastal attractions, including Red Bluff and Island Rock, offering dramatic ocean views. Wrap up your day with sunset at Pot Alley, a picturesque cove showcasing the rugged beauty of Kalbarri's coastal cliffs.

Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort | Meals: B

Day 7:  Kalbarri National Park to Monkey Mia. Depart Kalbarri National Park and head north on the North West Coastal Highway. Stop at Billabong Roadhouse for refreshments before turning off towards Shark Bay. Along the way, visit Hamelin Pool to see the ancient stromatolites, some of Earth's oldest living organisms. Continue to Shell Beach, a stunning stretch of shoreline made entirely of tiny white shells. Arrive in Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will arrive to Monkey Mia. End your day relaxing by the pristine waters and soaking in the region's natural beauty.

Accommodation: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Superior Beach View Room) | Meals: B

Day 8:  Monkey Mia to Coral Bay. Begin your journey from Monkey Mia, heading back to the North West Coastal Highway to continue towards Carnarvon, about 4 hours away. In Carnarvon, visit the Carnarvon Blowholes or enjoy a walk along the One Mile Jetty. Take a break to explore the local plantations and try fresh tropical produce. From Carnarvon, drive another 2.5 hours to Coral Bay, a charming coastal town and gateway to Ningaloo Reef. Spend your evening relaxing on the beach or take a sunset walk along the pristine shores, preparing for the adventures awaiting at Ningaloo Reef.

Accommodation: Coral Bay Peoples Park (Penthouse Suite) | Meals: B

Exmouth

Day 9: Coral Bay to Exmouth & Sunset Whale Watching Cruise: Depart Coral Bay and take the short 1.5-hour drive north to Exmouth, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way with the rest of the day at leisure. Take time to discover the town's laid-back vibe.

Between August and October, witness majestic Humpback whales against the magnificent Cape Range on a sunset cruise departing Exmouth Marina at 4:30pm, enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Often mothers and their calves delight  with a visit.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) 

Day 10: Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive or Snorkel.  Explore the enchanting Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Marine Park, celebrated as one of Australia's most stunning underwater wilderness areas. Cruise across crystal-clear waters to spend the day uncovering exclusive snorkel and dive sites accessible only by boat. Encounter marine life such as dolphins, rays, and turtles, which frequent these pristine waters. Snorkelers can admire vibrant tropical fish like parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and anemonefish among striking coral formations.

For diving enthusiasts, highlights include olive sea snakes, manta rays, reef sharks, and mesmerizing nudibranchs. Free Nitrox is available for all dives, with PADI courses and Discover Scuba experiences offered for beginners.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Whale Shark Swim - Shared Tour

Day 11:  Whale Shark Swim. On this unforgettable day in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, you'll encounter the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Early in the day, you'll board a well-equipped vessel that will use light aircraft to locate these magnificent fish for optimal viewing opportunities. 

The crew, including marine biologists, will provide educational talks about the area's rich biodiversity and the whale sharks' behaviours, feeding patterns, and identification tips. They'll also instruct you on how to safely and effectively swim with these gentle giants. A guide will accompany you in the water at all times to ensure a safe experience. The return journey often features sightings of other megafauna, such as Humpback Whales, Manta Rays, and various dolphins. Meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day, ending with a celebratory glass of champagne or light beer.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Day 12:  Ningaloo to Perth.  Say goodbye to the beach life as you drive to nearby Learmonth Airport this morning and fly back to Perth for your onward journey.

Meals: B